Thoughts from the Table

Lament Prayer – on florida school shootings

The following lament prayer is adapted from Scotty Smith. It is a response to the Florida Shootings.

Heavenly Father, two days ago in Broward County, Florida, we witnessed yet another day of terror-making darkness, evil-doing madness, and life-taking sadness. HOW LONG, O LORD, how long before you “cut off” every expression evil? How long before “the wicked will be no more”? How much longer is “just a little while“?

Father, It’s hard not to fret. It’s hardnot to feel fearful, angry and cynical when public high schools become murder fields. We offer our prayer as your weary children, longingfor the Day when your glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab. 2:14) — the Day when perfect peace will replace darkness; when the wolf and lamb live together (Isa. 9:6); when guns and knives will become tools for agriculture and harvest (Isa. 2:1-5).

We are tempted to withdraw and retreat. Father, make us warriors of peace and instruments of hope. Please oh God, replace our frets and fears with faith and trust. We plead for patience and courage. So that we might know that our labors (your labors oh Lord) are never in vain.

We long for your Kingdom to prevail. Jesus, you defeated evil on the cross, and your Gospel will eradicate evil. We long for your return. THAT cannot get here too soon. Grant us wisdom and grace, to love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with you, wherever you’ve placed us.

We pray for the scores of families and friends directly affected by this tragedy. And we pray for healthcare workers and counselors, pastors, and neighbors—all those who offer redemptive care. Grant them your compassion and strength. Give us faith as we pray, in Jesus’s triumphant and grace-full name.